What is the connection between a Formula 1 race vehicle and a condensing boiler in a business or institutional setting? Most individuals would probably remain silent at first look.

However, a maintenance and engineering manager would see at least one resemblance if they looked more closely: Both the high-speed vehicle and the hot water-generating vessel are designed to collect and repurpose heat from exhaust gasses. This feature increases their efficiency and lowers emissions without sacrificing functionality.

According to Gary Williams, the condensing boiler also turns a larger proportion of fuel into useful heat, which further cuts down on pollution and energy loss while also using less fuel.

According to him, “condensing boilers in particular can reach efficiency levels of up to 95 percent.”

Myths and false beliefs

The effectiveness of hot water and steam boiler used for heating systems is one of the reasons they are viewed as environmentally friendly, despite the fact that boilers are not usually thought of as green technology. This feature is sometimes disregarded and might help debunk several fallacies.

According to Mike Valentino, technical consultant with the American Boiler Manufacturer Association, “one myth that stands out is the claim that steam boilers operated on fuels like natural gas are unfriendly to the environment.” When it comes to potentially dangerous emissions like carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides, steam boilers are actually subject to stringent environmental regulations. Today, a lot of boilers are equipped with the newest control and emissions reduction technologies.

According to Chris Hacker, global engineering director at JLL, there is also a misconception that steam boilers are antiquated and ineffective.

“Even though steam boilers have been used for a long time, many buildings can still benefit from their efficient heating solutions,” he explains. “Advanced technology is incorporated into modern steam boilers to maximize efficiency and minimize energy consumption.”

According to Hacker, the notion that boiler maintenance is costly is not always true.

“Steam boilers need routine maintenance to ensure safe and effective operation, just like any other piece of equipment,” he explains. Nonetheless, a steam boiler’s lifespan may be increased and repair expenses reduced with appropriate upkeep. Furthermore, steam boilers are now more dependable due to technological improvements, which lowers the need for repairs.

Sustainability advantages

One kind of boiler utilized for heating systems in commercial and institutional buildings is the condensing boiler, which generates hot water. According to Williams, these are among the boiler types that fall under the category of “green boilers.” Others consist of:

Instead of burning fossil fuels, electric boilers use electricity, which can be more environmentally friendly if it originates from renewable sources.

Wood pellets, which may be carbon-neutral if sourced responsibly, are among the organic materials used in biomass boilers.

The sole byproduct of hydrogen boilers, which use hydrogen as fuel, is water vapor.

According to Hacker, it depends on how sustainability is defined when identifying the features that provide boilers a sustainability edge over alternative heating techniques.

He states, “Sustainability in the broadest sense refers to the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.” “If you take that perspective on steam boilers, the ones that were in use in the 1890s were sustainable at the time.”

“Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” is how the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability in 1987. Six elements are identified by the commission from those categories:

Effectiveness.

High energy efficiency is a benefit of steam boilers, especially for large-scale heating applications. By collecting heat from condensate and distributing the generated thermal energy effectively across a structure, total energy consumption may be decreased.

fuel adaptability.

Natural gas, oil, biomass, electricity, waste materials, and biofuels are just a few of the fuels that may power steam boilers. By enabling low-carbon and renewable fuel alternatives, this fuel flexibility lessens dependency on fossil fuels and advances sustainability.

longevity.

Steam boilers are renowned for their longevity and robustness. Steam boilers may endure for several decades with the right care and maintenance, which minimizes the need for frequent replacements and cuts down on waste.

dispersion of heat.

Compared to electric heating systems, steam may provide more stable and comfortable temperatures by distributing heat uniformly across a structure. It can also result in lower energy use and better occupant comfort.

thermal preservation.

Excess heat can be saved for later use by combining steam boilers with thermal storage devices. By generating steam during off-peak hours or times of low demand, this can assist optimize energy utilization and lessen dependency on grid energy during peak hours.

retrofits.

In order to improve their overall performance and energy efficiency, steam boilers can frequently be modified or retrofitted with contemporary control systems and effective burners. This makes it possible to make current steam systems more environmentally friendly without having to replace them entirely.

Gaseous fuels like liquid propane and natural gas are used in the majority of commercial-industrial boilers. Natural gas has a number of advantages over alternative heating sources, while not being regarded as a sustainable energy source.

In comparison to electric boilers, natural gas is abundant, clean, and reasonably priced. It also offers a logical transition to more sustainable and renewable energy sources, according to Valentino. “The best way to fulfill our energy needs both now and in the near future is with natural gas. Electric boilers, on the other hand, usually depend on electricity from the public and private utility grid systems.

With an eye on the future

Similar to Formula 1, which has set a target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030, hot water and steam boiler technology is anticipated to become even more ecologically beneficial in the future.

According to Valentino, “technological advancements will continue in the hot water and steam boiler marketplace.” These developments are focused on lowering emissions, improving efficiency, and implementing sophisticated controls. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Energy will continue to lead the exploration and development of alternative fuel sources such pure hydrogen and hydrogen-enriched natural gas burning, which emits little to no carbon dioxide.

Heat pump boilers and solar-powered boilers are two further systems under investigation.

According to Williams, the Internet of Things and smart technology integration are “revolutionizing boiler operations.” “These innovations in materials and design are improving boiler performance, durability, and energy efficiency, and they enable real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and enhanced efficiency through data analytics.”

Boiler designs are also being impacted by new regulations, especially those that emphasize raising efficiency standards and encouraging the use of condensing technology.

According to Williams, “only condensing technology would be allowed in these products under federal standards that were proposed last year.” “In order to reduce the use of fossil fuels, Washington state now mandates that the majority of new commercial buildings have electric boilers and heat pump water heaters. Additionally, gas boilers in new buildings in Washington, D.C., will be phased out by the end of 2026, further restricting the city’s greenhouse gas emissions.”

According to Hacker, “the ability of steam boilers to integrate with low-carbon and renewable fuel sources positions them as an attractive option” for heating systems as the industry continues to prioritize sustainability and carbon reduction. “The versatility of steam boilers is a sustainable option as environmental regulations and energy efficiency standards become more stringent, pushing businesses and institutions to seek more sustainable heating options.”